I loved my devotional this morning. It helped that I actually got to sleep in because I have the day off. Worked all weekend. And I do mean WORKED. I love the Deeper Still events but, because they last a half day longer than a regular LPL’s and the sessions are super long, you go home pretty wiped. Hence the day off. (I don’t take Monday’s off because of staff prayer time.) So, I was really rested when I was sitting propped up in my bed having my prayer time this morning. The Scripture hit me so tenderly that I nearly cried. You know the story. It’s about God’s fulfilled promise to Abraham’s wife, Sarah. Read the portion again and intentionally look at it as a woman because that’s sort of what this post is about. Be amazed and thankful that God has a long history of also making and keeping promises to women.
Genesis 21:1-7 (GW)
1 The Lord came to help Sarah and did for her what he had promised.
2 So she became pregnant, and at the exact time God had promised, she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age.
3 Abraham named his newborn son Isaac.
4 When Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded.
5 Abraham was 100 years old when his son Isaac was born.
6 Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.
7 Who would have predicted to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet, I have given him a son in his old age.”
I got stuck on that part that says, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” I sat in a carload of women in front of the hotel in Denver Saturday night. We’d just spent all evening together at a restaurant. You might reason that we’d spent all weekend together but we just kept talking a hundred miles an hour and didn’t want to get out of the car. It’s just a woman thing. Our ages ranged well over twenty years but for that moment, we were BFF. Kelly Minter and I were in the back seat and I looked straight at her and said, “Yep. This is what I love about women. I love being a woman.”
Cheesy. I know.
But I do.
I thought it was so cool that Sarah knew that many would laugh with her. If I were a betting woman, I’d wager that she was talking about other women. I can’t see the men really slapping their leg over it, then clapping, and then throwing up their hands and shouting, “Glory!” like me and my buddies would do. I’d bet they just slapped Abe on the back and said, “Way to go, man.” Most of the time, if God’s really done something cool in my life, I like to tell my girlfriends about it because I know they’ll laugh and clap their hands, too. In fact, I intentionally tell the ones that I know will most appreciate it.
It doesn’t have to be something really huge like Sarah’s miracle either. Women can find all sorts of things to laugh with one another over. Here are a few I’ve experienced just here lately:
Melissa: While we were in Israel, we went out in the parking lot to wave good bye to the first half of our group departing for the States. The rest of us would not be going till the next morning. There was a bit of a delay and they had to sit for a few minutes before taking off so I decided to start entertaining them (outside the bus on the pavement) with cheers, a few little dance moves, and kicking my feet to the side and clicking my heels (yes, in a dress. It is a move I do very well). To my great surprise, Melissa got into it with me and up and did two cartwheels for them. (Not in a dress.) It made me so happy that I laughed and laughed. My little budding scholar! I said to her while I bent over laughing, “You have what it takes for women’s ministry, Honey!”
Amanda: Melissa and I always say that AJ is the funniest one of the three of us. She’s just not the extrovert so it’s not as obvious. Here lately she hopped in the car with me on our way somewhere and I said, “What’s that in your hand?” She said, “My Weight Watchers charm. I got it for reaching my goal. I’m going to put it on Annabeth’s charm bracelet so she knows what I had to do to get over her.” I clapped and laughed, not only over AB’s well deserved charm but over AJ’s darling college-looking post-partum figure. A met goal is worth laughing and celebrating together.
Kelly Minter: You know what a big fan I am of Kelly’s. I love her. I love watching these young women teachers come and take their places. I cannot describe my joy or my peculiar feelings of elation over it. I sat on the front row at Deeper Still next to my beloved Priscilla when Kelly took the stage to share a devotional early Saturday morning. As she took that platform, she would speak to more people (by several thousand) than she’d ever addressed before…and she killed it. (I hope you realize that’s a good thing.) Honestly, I pumped my fist in the air and yelled, “Whoo! Whoo! Whoo! Whoo!” Hawk looked around and said, “Did anybody hear her do that but me?” I couldn’t help myself.
A person I can’t name yet: A very dear loved one of mine is expecting her first baby and I am beside myself. I nearly hurt myself with joy when she told me over the phone. I’ve been obsessed with it ever since. I love God for what He’s done in her life. I will love this child next to my own blood grandchildren.
Another really close loved one: She’s the one whose 1-year chip from AA I showed you several weeks ago. God is so busy restoring the years the locusts have eaten in her life that, if He weren’t omnipotent, He’d honestly have no time for the rest of us. We have laughed and laughed over the wonders He has done in her behalf.
What about you? Is there anything wonderful God has done in your life – big or small – that this community of women could laugh with you about? Look back at those Scriptures. Has God done anything for you about which you could say, “God has brought me laughter” or “Who would have predicted…?” Give us the chance to clap our hands and laugh with you.
I’ll close this post with the devotional that accompanied those Scriptures this morning. It’s Charles Spurgeon. It about killed me in the Spirit. I loved it so much. Enjoy, Siestas. Your Mama loves you.
It was far above the power of nature, and even contrary to its laws, that the aged Sarah should be honoured with a son; and even so it is beyond all ordinary rules that I, a poor, helpless, undone sinner, should find grace to bear about in my soul the indwelling Spirit of the Lord Jesus. I, who once despaired, as well I might, for my nature was as dry, and withered, and barren, and accursed as a howling wilderness, even I have been made to bring forth fruit unto holiness. Well may my mouth be filled with joyous laughter, because of the singular, surprising grace which I have received of the Lord, for I have found Jesus, the promised seed, and He is mine for ever. This day will I lift up psalms of triumph unto the Lord who has remembered my low estate, for “my heart rejoiceth in the Lord; mine horn is exalted in the Lord; my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies, because I rejoice in Thy salvation.” I would have all those that hear of my great deliverance from hell, and my most blessed visitation from on high, laugh for joy with me.
Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening.
PS. Speaking of things fairly peculiar to women, I thought I might go ahead and tell you that I typed this whole thing standing up in my wrap-around terry cloth robe so my self tanner could dry. I want to be tan on my birthday.
So interesting that you posted this today! Just on Saturday my friend and I were rejoicing over the healing that has taken place in my life. Just three years ago I was in such a deep pit of depression and despair it’s hard to even put it into words. I am amazed at God’s work of grace, mercy and healing in my life. He astounds me. At one point I didn’t want to live, and today I rejoice that he lives through me!
“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
psalm 40:1-2
My husband has been invited to be the pastor of a small, country non-denominational church. It’s been his dream for years. I am having a hard time thinking God did this with a straight face. I know he’s thinking, “Wow, this is going to be so much fun watching her.”
Forgot to wish you a Happy Birthday. Your birthdate is the same as my brother’s but you are way prettier and have lots more hair. You look better in heels, too. May you have tons of laughter and joy in the coming years. You are too precious.
Aw I just love you! God brings me laughter through you all of the time!! =)
Well, I would have to say my baby girl is a HUGE source of laughter. Here are a few things as of late:
For mothers day she wrote that my favorite drink was poo-poo medicine (miralax). She also had her teacher write 3 diff. times that I was pretty…lol.
She says she feels sorry for just about everything or everyone. She just said she felt sorry for Buddy on the Cake Boss because he has to make such hard cakes. She must have the gift of mercy.
I about died when she got up in front of my bible study group and shared a verse and then talked about booty or booty stank! She was in big trouble.
The other day her dad and I were talking about the Lords supper…since I have taught her from the bible about the Passover Meal she said, ” Mom Jesus was at church! He came! You saw Him! He was at the Lords supper!” LOL
Last night she wanted to go sit in the car with me and look at stars (lame but it is too blasted hot to sit outside). I told her no and she looked at me and said, “But mom…I am the apple of your eye!” Guess who went and looked at the stars?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Birthday Beth,
HAPPY “54” BIRTHDAY ~ June 16,2010
Oh Joybreaks ~ Your story is a knee slappin riot!!!
giggle giggle laugh laugh 🙂
Since beginning as a Siesta, I chose to define my comment life on the blog as THE JOURNEY CONTINUES with “HEAVEN BOUND” BLESSINGS!
My Journey Continues daily and I find that no matter what I do or what I say ~ It is a blessing to know that I am truly HEAVEN BOUND!
I can ONE UP you Beth.
After slathering on the self tanner in my bathroom, I decided to paint all my piggy’s with nail polish while the tanner dried & absorbed. After the nails, I took a look in that stinkin mirror that shows every single wrinkle, spot, and HAIR!!!!!!! Oh my word, I had a little black hair growing between my upper lip and my nose. and I am a BLONDE for goodness sakes!!
What in the world is that all about??????
I let out a scream and Homer, our cat, fell off the cabinet where he watches for seagulls to arrive.
It scared me and I screamed again and he jumped in the air and ran down the stairs.
I stood there with tweezers in hand, toes in rubber seperators, while in my robe with self tanner and I LAUGHED AND LAUGHED and said OUTLOUD ~ “Oh my!! The Journey Continues” ~
THANK YOU SIESTAS FOR ALL THE JOY YOU GIVE ME ON THIS BLOG!!!
With “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim Safina
Grin!
Happy Birthday Beth!
I have the amazing privilege at ministering to 46 elementary aged girls, and probably 12 youth counselors also, at a church day camp this week. someone else has been teaching the past two days…she’s done a great job, i kind of imagine i’m watching siesta mama go at it live on life today while i’m watching my friend denise….
anyhow, the next 3 days, i get to share, and i was back in the Word this afternoon, asking God to just refine the message–give me a clear vision for where He’s ultimately going with it. until late this evening, i’d had no idea the camp director’s memory verse for all the kids for tomorrow, will be eph. 5:25-27 (focusing with the kids on what Jesus did for us–not necessarily a husband’s mandate to love his wife)….BUT…without my knowing that, God took me to Eph 5 today, and He told me to go verse-by-verse with the girls from the beginning of the chapter thru v. 24…teaching on what kind of bride God wants us to be for Jesus.
Then, He took me back to the passage that you had in your quiet time this morning–about God fulfilling his promise to Abraham…about His covenant, about God changing abram’s name to abrAHam (with the “ah” from Jehovah stuck right in the middle)…so…Thursday, God has me teaching these girls how He wants to be in covenant relationship with each of them…to change their name, to fill them with His power, to love on them and to blow their minds as He keeps every promise He’s made to them!
Friday is an opportunity for them to walk into that covenant…wedding runner down the center of the room, rings, promises of God spoken over each of them.
Didn’t mean to bore you with the details, but I’m just laughing here over the goodness of God to wrap it all up and put a bow on it. He’s even given me object lessons that include chocolate! YES! He’s SOOOOO good!
Please join me in praying that these precious lives will be forever changed this week through the power of God’s Word as it goes forth! Especially around 10:30 Eastern time on Friday–I’d love to tell those girls that ladies all over the place are praying for them at that moment as God is calling each of them to walk in covenant with Him!
Blessings on all of you!
Well – we are having the summer of the weddings! We (my husband of 36 years and I) have four children – a daughter and three sons. The oldest of our three boys is celebrating his eighth anniversary today (He and his Amanda got married in The Woodlands on the same day that Amanda and Curtis got married!)
On June 5th our second son got married to his childhood friend and the daughter of my BEST friend. It was such a sweet, God-honoring celebration. We’ve all been basking in the afterglow ever since.
Sunday night of this past weekend, our 33 year old daughter got engaged! Her story has been filled with heart-ache. She was engaged four years ago and her fiance suddenly broke the engagement just two months before the wedding. It has taken every bit of courage she could muster to get seriously involved with someone again. In His providential timing, God has brought a wonderful man into her life. He has also had his share of tragedy. His 18 year old daughter was killed in a car accident a year ago (he was a teen dad – his girlfriend wouldn’t marry him, but he was a very involved dad). A local pastor reached out to him in his grief and led him to the Lord. A mutual friend introduced Bob to our daughter in January. Since they are 33 and 37 (and our daughter is a school teacher) they decided to get married THIS summer. So – I was mother of the groom one week and mother of the bride by the next! Yes – there has been MUCH laughter – many, many WAHOO’S – and mostly from the girlfriend side of things. When she posted her status update on facebook, she got 98 comments in less than 24 hours!
I can’t stop smiling. 🙂 (although I admit to a bit of anxiety over trying to plan a wedding for my only daughter in two months!) God is so faithful, so good.
And to top it all off, our oldest son and his wife will soon welcome baby number two into their home. (this is another miracle story) I identify with David when he said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family that you have brought me this far?” He gives beauty for ashes. He redeems and heals and – Oh how He LOVES us!
I spent four years in college earning a degree in math. It was hard work, and I figured I’d eventually teach or do accounting or financial advising.
Now, 8 years later, God has asked me to write bible studies for teen moms. And He’s had the audacity to give me a writing talent! Me! A math girl!
Now THAT’S humor!
God has blessed me, in the midst of my mother having Alzheimer’s, with a very unexpected friend. I love seeing the sweetness of Jesus, Who loves me so much and sent this friend, who can laugh and cry with me in this difficult time. I can do nothing but praise Him!
I walked into the kitchen the other day to find that we had a blocked line in our dishwasher and when I opened it there was immidiate stinky water smell. Ick! I discussed worriedly what to do about it with my husband. Then we both turned around to see our 9 year old daughter sitting at the kitchen table with her swimming goggles that cover her eyes and nose on eating her cereal. She was like “what, these things really work!” We all burst out laughing and quit fretting. 🙂
Laughing just now cause I’m such a Siestaville junkie that I’m in bed under the covers at my in-laws in San Angelo (hiya Texans!) on my I-phone reading everyone’s posts!
And you can sign me Warm In Alaska Dying Of Heat In Texas
I do that, too, Carolyn!
I am a week away from adopting my little girl. We got her 2 years ago through the foster system and had to give her back. A few weeks later, God allowed us to once again foster her and she will be ours FOREVER in one week!!!!! I laugh daily with my best friends and sisters about the journey God took me on and how He has worked it to show Glory(and sense of humor:))
oooooo….I bet I know who’s preg-oooo
Well, it IS officially your birthday, Mama Beth! Happy Birthday!!! May you enjoy your beautiful TAN today and this week ;o)
I had a pretty trying day today, and your post was very encouraging to me. Considering all that God walked me through this past year, I have a lot to laugh and rejoice over! So glad to have a focus shifting before I hit the hay.
The short version of my Reason (the latest one anyway) is my baby. A year ago, we took off to a family adventure abroad after selling our house. It was a dream that my husband has had to spend a few years as a family together traveling (also an answer to my prayer that he’ll have a dream to make his eyes sparkle). In the process of all that, I did my Breaking Free study and kept pretty busy with the Lord. We had two beautiful boys, and God was so obviously walking with me, I relinquished my desire for the third, knowing my hubby was done. Then we were busy in our adventure farming (something new to me) and meeting people, and I feel this kick inside me. Our initial plan was 6 months away. At the finding of me actually being 6 months along already (!) we extended our stay to a year and welcomed our third boy. I always thought this sort of thing happened to “other” people! Not only He’s given me the desire of my heart, but he’s changed my husband’s heart, too. Where I had always said I wanted three children, my hubby always said he wanted 2.5 (!?). I’m so glad, and so is my hubby, that God chose to tip the scale!
There are more layers to that blessing, but that is the nutshell.
Yes, I’m laughing at a desire God gave me back in 1996 regarding my husband as an AD at this Christian school. I prayed with a friend of mine back then. My husband applied for the job. Didn’t get it. Still prayed. 2004 came he applied. Didn’t get it. Still prayed. 2007 took a job at another Christian school in the same town different denomination – a stretch for us but knew God’s leading. Learned a ton. Loved the differences. My husband was a teacher and coach there. Told people “I knew God had Christian education for us, just thought it was at the first school. Then early this year. The first Christian school PURSUED my husband for the AD job. They said to my husband “You are the man for the job!” Laughing inside and out. I’m birthing this prayer some 14 years later. He IS faithful. Excited about our new chapter.
Emily
Ocala, FL
Beth: I’m not sure what day is your birthday but just this morning about 2:15a.m. my neice had her first child at home with a mid-wife. I live about three hours away but the rest of the family and friends were waiting at a friends home just across the street for the anouncement that the little girl had come into the world. My heart hurts because I was not there… I’m single so I’m usually overlooked and never invited. I hear about things after they happen. I sometimes wonder if God feel that way about me too.
Mama Siesta, Hello! As far as God bringing laughter into our lives this is what has happened in my life over the past nine months. My youngest sister’s first husband died 14 hours after contracting meningitis on Jan 26,08. My nephew was 2 1/2 years old at the time. However, and PRAISING the LORD, that He chose to place another wonderful godly man in my sister’s life. They were married this past Sept. and are now expecting another baby. Talk about bringing joy from mourning this has happened for my sister and my family. During this all we also received orders to move to Hawaii since my husband is in the Air Force. This was a surprise but God has really blessed us here and I have now found some great friends and godly homeschooling people to help me settle in here. This was the thing I prayed for most since when we left Illinois, I was leaving the most amazing group of ladies from Bible Study after being with them for 5 years! The LORD does indeed restore us with much laughter in our time of distress! Thank you LORD!!!!
Your fellow siesta here in Hawaii,
Jeanne
i love love love my sister’s in Christ. we are planning a trip from Kansas City to St. Louis to see Living Proof on June 25th and i am looking forward to the trip in the church van as much as the event!
i also completely lose it with my real brothers and sister. last weekend i hosted a family reunion with folks from Michigan, Tennessee, Ohio and Kansas. 15 people in all. my sister and 2 brothers and i laughed so hard and there were times when were actually seemed to speak our own language, like we were raised by a pack of wolves or something. it was hilarious and though i am completely exhausted hosting 15 people AT MY HOUSE, i loved every minute of it and my spirit is renewed by the joy of the weekend.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Beth!!! I thank God for you, your ministry, your love for Jesus,and your love for people. Hope you have loads and loads of FUN today!!
Kudos to the Weight Watcher! One myself. I have been self tanning, too, for my birthday! I will be a slimmer and tanner Joy this year! Glory.
Thank you, Beth, for you hard work for the Lord and the blessing we receive from the overflow of you fullness of Him.
I love it! The Holy Spirit promoted me to get up an hour earlier than I usually do so I could come down stairs and prepare for week 7 for a small group I am hosting in my home. We are reading Beth’s book, So Long Insecurity. This past week I asked everyone to dig through the Bible and find their favorite verse on JOY. I was still mulling over mine and had intended to work on it this morning. I powered up my computer and waiting in my in box was this post from Beth. Ha! I find pure Joy in God and how he speaks to us. This is exactly what I am hoping we experience this evening when we gather… laughter and joy with one another so we feel stronger in this community of women who feel so insecure. What a gift from the Holy Spirit. Thanks Beth for being the vessel God has called you to be!
Happy Birthday, Beth.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH!!!
WE LOVE YOU!!
Have a wonderful, blessed, great hair day!! 🙂
Beth, You crack me up! I am so laughing about your wanting to be tan for your birthday! Well, my birthday was last week and this is how I prepare to be tan on my birthday. I start in April and apply the darkest tan lotion I can find when I get ready in the morning. Usually, by my birthday I am quite tan but this summer there has not been much sunshine here and I am lagging in the tanning area. I also think its neat that we share the same birth month.
I was invited to a home party and arrived 4 hours too late. I had not read the time on the invitation and just assumed it was in the evening. Too funny when I walked in the house announcing I was here for the party and brought a friend. What a joyous time of laughter!
Love you Beth and have missed you greatly!
Just wanted to add that I am still doing scripture memory and like you am going over past ones…..
About 8 years ago we moved away from our home in Michigan to southern Ohio. My neighbor in Michigan is my absolute best friend and our families get together throughout the year but we meet for weekend with our husbands in the summer for an adult weekend. Last summer we rented 2 condos next to each other with a deck overlooking a river. At the end of the evening when we were ready to go to bed, my husband didn’t realize the sliding screen door was closed and walked right through it and fell into the condo! I thought we were going to die laughing!
We’re getting ready to meet up again in a few weeks and my friend called me a couple days ago to remind me of the screen door and we had the biggest laugh!
Dear Beth!!
Thanks so much for sharing! God continues to do the extraordinary in my life in ways at my advanced years of 42 that I would never imagine. He is opening doors to release dreams in me that I have had since I was a young girl. The long and the short of it? He is providing me with opportunities to share with others about my Beloved Jesus and what he has done in my life. Though we have never met face to face, we have journeyed out life together in a multitude of ways between LPL and your studies. My deep laughter and joy presents itself this morning through the words of an old hymn, “such love, such wondrous love, how wonderful is love like this.”
Thanks for focusing on the joy and laughter in the big things and the little. Happy tanning and Happy Birthday Dear Friend!!
Our women’s group just started the new Breaking Free, and we had 96 women show up for Bible Study! I am laughing for joy, because, so many women want to draw closer and BREAK FREE!
Oh Beth–just the reminder I needed today. Life has gotten kind of heavy. . . fear and uncertainty with my husbands job, fear because of some health issues, fatigue in just living. It’s time to look heavenward. . . and laugh.
“Restore to me the JOY of your salvation and grant me a willing wpirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12
I read your blog for the first time this morning talking about how Sarah laughed when God gave her a son in her old age, and how women love sharing and laughing together. So here’s my little story that I hope brings a chuckle to your day. It actually happened several years ago. For a short time, we had a wonderful woman in our bible study group that was “home” in the United States for a short time before returning to the mission field with her husband and children, to the Dominican Republic. She had purchased and brought with her from the Dominican, small bottles of pure vanilla extract. On her last day with us, she gave us all a bottle – it smelled wonderful. One of our regular ladies – Linda (so sweet and has a wonderful spirit) was not with us that particular day, so the next time we met, I gave her the bottle of vanilla. I apparently did not explain what it was, and it was not obvious on the bottle, but she thanked me and took it with her. The next time we met as a group, one of the ladies had mentioned that she cooked something that needed the vanilla extract and told how much better it tasted with the pure vanilla from the Dominican. To make a long story shorter – Linda thought the vanilla was anointing oil. She had taken the bottle and anointed her house – around her doors,and her husband’s pillow. She said her husband slept very well that night. She laughed at herself, and we all laughed with her. I could not use my bottle of vanilla without thinking about Linda and laughing.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY,BETH!! I pray that you have a wonderful, gorious,& blessed day filled with nothing but joy! The scripture on my calendar today is 1 Corinthians 15:58…I thought it most appropiate for you, sweet one…you are so obedient to God’s Word. Enjoy your day…love you dearly.
You Moms of boys will appreciate this: Last Thursday night was my 9-year-old son James’ last Little League game of the season. He has struggled all year hitting. He does great at home, but gets anxious at the game and does not do well.
We prayed TWICE before the game. James hit a double in the 2nd inning (score was 3-8), then a GRAND SLAM HOME RUN in the 4th (8-11). His team won in the 5th inning, 13-12! They are also the first place team for the St. Mary’s County National Little League.
MY BOY HIT A GRAND SLAM!! My hands are bruised from clapping/cheering, my ankle is soar from jumping, and my voice is raspy from screaming; my heart pounds everything I think of it! MY BOY HIT A GRAND SLAM!
In less than two months, my oldest son trusted Christ and hit a Grand Slam in baseball (now that’s balance). I know you all understand my enthusiasm — no, excitement — no, unbridled praise! Thank You, Father!
2 Samuel 7:18 Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
Happy Birthday from another June birthday girl! May God Bless you and your loved ones. I have needed the gift of encouragement for a long while and your ministry has been a great resource for me. I pray you receive all God wants to lavish on you and may you laugh all day long. You deserve it.
Laughter…certainly medicine for the heart and soul…as thankful God created us to laugh, as I am that He gave us tear ducts. Lots of both on the Israel trip.
Happy Birthday Beth. I hope this year brings healing for your back and nothing but good health, lots of time with your family and new revelations of our loving Father. Blessings to you…you bless so many!
Dear precious Beth ~ Happy Birthday! I ask the Lord to give you this post as a birthday gift. It is both the laughter, bawl, shout kind of praise WITH still a prayer. My beloved husband of 15 years was raised in a cult. He left me last fall after a WONDERFUL marriage and the only explanation was that he was seeking to be happy. He loves me still and has told me so. The counselor confirmed that he is simply running from God. God has used ‘those who sow seed weeping will return carrying sheaves with songs of joy.’ Ten days ago, I believe the Lord whispered to me ‘It’s time for harvest.’ The same week my beloved who is out of the country for a while has said he’s trying to get his head straightened out and to give him some time. May God SOON cause him to share with me the news of his meeting the REAL Jesus!!! Oh, praise Him for He is GOOD; His love endures forever! Blessings to you, my friend who has encouraged me for the last ten years of Bible study.
The most recent laugh I had was at this Los Angeles Times headline:
“President Obama to Visit Ohio; 62-foot Statue of Jesus Explodes”
It’s as though the two things are somehow connected…
(You can read it for yourself here. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2010/06/president-obama-to-visit-ohio-62foot-statue-of-jesus-explodes.html)
i have never posted a comment, but just had to today. i laughed out loud when i realized that we are doing the same devotional (sort of) and that was my passage from the 15th too! mine is also charles spurgeon, but it is in the compilation “Look Unto Me: The Devotions of Charles Spurgeon” by Jim Reimann. I did this devotional book last year and loved it so much i am doing it all over again, and apparently, alongside you. makes me want to send you a daily note and say, “What did you think about today’s passage?” I loved where Spurgeon wrote “In the Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, we are told the maiden Mercy laughed in her sleep, and no wonder, for she dreamed of Jesus.” just had to share that!
We homeschool. Therefore I get LOTS of questions-most of which drive me crazy, but some make me LAUGH like crazy! My 9 year old son, while riding in the van I have driven for 5+ years, says, “Mom, does this car have a pencil sharpener?” …I didn’t realize that was an accessory… I love the way he makes me laugh…
Unexpected laughter is the best! I had rented my rental house to a korean family who spoke very little english and they were so so thankful because it was just for two months while he was taking a class here in Biloxi 7 no one else would even consider renting on such a short term. I asked if they needed anything and he said a pot to cook in would be very good. So I went out & gathered dishes,utensils,pans & some pots and took them over – they were overjoyed. Well they ended up having to return two weeks early & when they called I said we would come over that evening. We had wanted to take them out to eat so we were trying to ask if they wanted to go out to eat and we ended up using our hands & acted like we were feeding ourselves. They thought we wanted them to feed us. Very imbarassing! Anyway we finally got the message across & we went to a chinese rest. Could have been very awkward but it was one of the best times I’v had in a long time. We managed to ask each other tons of questions & sometimes if interpreted incorrectly the answers were hilarious! Then He looked at my husband & said I been in US two months(then he gestures to me) and you wife she the most beautiful woman I see in whole US! I proceded to laugh my head off & say I guess you did’nt see to many women while you were here!(not funny -my husband was laughing too!) Then I looked at him & he had such a serious look and was touching his heart and said in here so kind – like an Angel! No one else kind to us and she say yes! and brought our family things to use & he had tears in his eyes.
…you forget that a little bit of kindness can truly make such a lasting impression on someone.
A moment I will treasure forever.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for including that closing PS comment!!!!
Happy Birthday Beth!!!
I think the thing that brings me laughter deep in my spirit this morning is a realization that I am not the person I used to be. I feel like a butterfly coming out a cocoon and the process is sometimes very painful (it is for freedom we have been set free!) ….but there is also much joy in the process. My husband and I will be married 30 years next week and I would ask your prayers for us…we truly need Jesus in the center of our marriage not just in words but in TRUTH….a place I have come to understand during this process He hasn’t ever truly been. HE gave me a promise that I cling too Isaiah 58:12 it seems like so long ago…but I feel like maybe we are turning a corner….anyway thanks so much for this today…it is nugget of gold for me. Many blessings to you. Tina.
If only we knew a sanguine in search of a party today!
AHHHHHHHHHH!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH!!!!!
This better be the funnest day you have had in 53 years. I know it’s been rough year for you, so today…someone better be throwing you a big ol bash.
Melana 🙂
Happy Birthday Beth!!! I hope you have a wonderful day and many blessings this year 🙂
This is something that only a woman would appreciate – I’ve been letting my hair grow out from very very short (it’s shoulder length now)as to be able to give the haircut monies to those in need and still stay on our family budget. (A little background here – I’ve grown it out before but it’s always been stringy, flat, bad) BUT this time, you’ll appreciate this Mrs. Beth, I’ve got GREAT hair – big waves, volume, manageable AND less gray (I think…) than before – this has got to be a gift from God as all His gifts are good! I know this doesn’t even begin to compare to healing from cancer, getting pregnant, etc. but I thought you might enjoy hearing it…
Mama Beth, or Bibby as I so lovingly love to call you (it’s just such a sweet name!!!), thank you for your inspiration. Your inspiration as a lover of Christ and His Word. Your inspiration as one who truely lives life to the fullest. And your inspiration that it’s okay to use a self tanner. *tear of joy*
Shanna R
Mississippi Girl since 1974
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIESTA MAMMA!! You have encouraged my spirit and my big hair more than you will ever imagine!!
LOVE TO YA!
I love that ‘nanner puddin’ works for both occasions!
Yes, we do have to have a sense of humor….I had to go to see a new doctor last week…he was SO young looking…we were introducing ourselves and he found out I’m a nurse…we chatted and then he asked “when did you retire?”….ok, I’m 38 yrs old…well 39 in one month, but HEY! AND I had just colored my hair the week before…my 9 yr old son thought that was the funniest thing ever 🙂
Happy Birthday Beth!!! Thank you for everything you do. Also want to wish Curtis and Amanda a Happy anniversary. I will be celebrating 13 years of marriage on friday and a Birthday a week later. May god bless you!!
Great post Beth! I’m just dying to know when your birthday is since mine is also coming up! I love to play birthday Bingo…